...... .£15 18 9 Association, Canning-street, Liverpool, for past half-year, per Mr. Thomas Matheson Association, Bewcastle, for quarter ending Dec. 31, per Mr. George Routledge Collection, Dudley, per Rev. George Lewis Juvenile Missionary Association, Bolton, per Rev. A. F. Kemp Sabbath school, St. George's, Sunderland, per Mr. W. Laing Phillips Juvenile Missionary Association, Ancoats, per Rev. Andrew Inglis Association, National Scotch Church, Regent-square, London, for year ending Dec. 31, 1853, per Mr. John Johnstone, Sabbath-school, Islington, St. Paul 1 0 0 5 0 0 0 10 0 1 0 2 3 Sabbath-school, Islington, Liverpool 2 SCHOOL FUND. 0 9 103 17 3 2 0 £924 4 2 Amount previously acknowledged £297 0 2 1 3 10 0 0 50 15 11 £363 8 8 Presbyteries' Proceedings. PRESBYTERY OF LONDON. THIS Presbytery met at 51, Great Ormondstreet, on Tuesday, Jan. 10, the Rev. Thos. Alexander, Moderator. The Rev. John Baillie, late of Linlithgow, was associated. Communion rolls, duly attested, were received from the following congregations : -John Knox, 156; Southwark, 108; Greenwich, 115; Woolwich, 178; London Wall, 142; Chelsea, 172; and Marylebone, 456. Mr. Gillespie was added to the temporary Session at Windsor. A Committee was appointed to examine Mr. Alexander Douglas, student, preparatory to his being taken on trials for license; Mr. Ballantyne, Convener. Dr. Hamilton reported that the station at Dalston was progressing favourably. The Rev. John Baillie presented a Presbyterial certificate in his favour from the Frea Presbytery of Linlithgow, and at the same time made a brief statement relative to Torquay. After mentioning that he had 9 8 10 resumed, three months ago, the services of last winter, and that these last continued to be very well attended, he said that, on considering recently the subject of a site for a church, it was found, as the result of a full inquiry, that the body of Presbyterians in the place was much too limited to supply the materials of a permanent Presbyterian congregation; and, therefore, instead of taking steps which could not be easily retraced, he had decided, with the full concurrence of parties to whom all the circumstances were known, and on whose judgment he could rely, to discontinue his labours in Torquay, and turn from them to some other more suitable sphere, and all the more that a climate less relaxing than Torquay has been recommended as more favourable for the health of that member of his family on whose account he had left his charge in Scotland. PRESBYTERY OF NORTHUMBERLAND. THIS Presbytery met at Glanton on the 10th January, and was duly constituted. Sederunt-the Moderator, Mr. Bannatyne, Messrs. Lennie, Huie, Edwards, Gillespie, Cathcart, Fergus, Walker, Forsyth, and the Clerk. Mr. Terras, being present, was associated. The minutes of last Meeting were read and sustained. School schedules o given in from Branton, Warrenford, Mor0 peth, and Crookham, were read, sustained, 0 and attested by the Moderator. The sche 0 dule from the school at Longhirst was also given in, which, in the circumstances of the case as explained, was recommended to the 0 veners. favourable consideration of the School Committee. The following Committees were appointed to examine the schools within the bounds of the Presbytery :-Morpeth— Messrs. Anderson, Hoy, Gillespie, Edwards, and Walker; Warrenford-Messrs. Bannatyne, Edmonds, and Blythe; BrantonMessrs. Blythe, Cathcart, and Fergus; Crookham-Messrs. Edmonds, Lennie, and Huie. The respective ministers to be ConA statement was made in regard to the contemplated erection of a school at Wooler, whereupon Messrs. Huie, Lennie, and Bannatyne were appointed a Committee in connexion with said school. Answers to schedules of queries from the Home Mission, given in by Messrs. Edwards and Fergus, were read, examined, and attested. Messrs. Huie, Gillespie, Cathcart, Bannatyne, Forsyth, and Fergus reported that they had made collections for the College Fund. Mr. Blythe reported that he had made a collection for the School Fund. In accordance with the Motion, notice of which was given by Mr. Cathcart at last Meeting, it was agreed that the communion rolls of the different congregations within the bounds be produced for attestation at next Quarterly Meeting. The Committee appointed to examine the school at Warrenford gave in a Report, which was sustained, and ordered to be forwarded to the School Committee. The Presbytery resolved that the next Quarterly Meeting be held at Framlington, on the second Tuesday in April, at noon. Jutelligence. WARK.-A large and interesting Soirée was lately held in connexion with the Presbyterian Sabbath-schools, under the presidency of Mr. Wrightson, the respected minister of Wark and Housesteads. After an introductory address from the Chairman, bearing on the demands and duties of the present times, the following ministers spoke-Mr. Young, of Bellingham, on the influence of mothers; Mr. Stuart, of Falstone, on the Bible-the people's book; and Mr. Duncan, of Trinity Church, Newcastle, on Puseyism and Popery. The presence of many belonging to the Church of England, and other denominations, is a good test mony to the general acceptance of the Sabbath-school, and, we trust, a token of increasing usefulness. REGENT-SQUARE CONGREGATIONAL ASSOCIATION. The Annual Meeting of this Association was held in the Music Hall, Storestreet, on Thursday evening, Jan. 19; the Rev. Dr. Hamilton in the chair. The financial Reports were read by Mr. Johnstone, the Treasurer, from which it appeared that the amount contributed to the Synod's schemes, through the Association, was 361. 14s. 4d. increase on that of the preceding year. The following table shows in detail the amounts raised for various objects during the past year :— Fund. Fund. Missions. Missions. Corfu. F 10 6 £ s. d. 35 10 8 £ s. d. £ s. d. 51 16 11 £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. d. 29 42 18 1 776 0 3 24 5 5 169 19 8 697 10 5 365 8 6 323 19 4 165 17 5 131 5 1 122 6 2 76 2 4 46 5 4 29 9 0 212 17 9 1,473 10 11 RIVER-TERRACE, ISLINGTON.-The Annual Meeting of the congregation was held in the school rooms under the church, on Tuesday evening, the 17th ult.; the Rev. John Weir in the chair. After tea, the annual accounts were submitted by Mr. Cotes, the Treasurer; and Trustees and Auditors were appointed for the ensuing year. Reports as to the Benevolent Society (for the relief of the sick poor), the City Mission Auxiliary and Sabbathschools, and the collections and subscriptions for the various Synodical schemes, were read by Messrs. Watson, Hill, Landrell, and Jackson, respectively. It appeared that there was an increase in nearly all the subscriptions, &c.; and that nearly 1,3007. had been raised for local and general purposes during the year 1853. The Meeting, which was very large and respectable, was addressed by Professor Lorimer, the Rev. William Graham, Missionary from the Irish Assembly to the Jews at Bona (late of Damascus), and Joseph Payne, Esq., barrister-at-law. Mr. Fisk, with a number of his pupils of the singing class, contributed to the interest of the proceedings by several pieces of sacred music, including an anthem. It is a matter for deep thankfulness that, notwithstanding the lengthened indisposition and consequent absence of the pastor, now mercifully restored to health, that the history of the congregation for the past year had been marked by peculiar prosperity. BRAMPTON.-The Annual Missionary Meeting of the Sabbath-school here, was held on Monday evening, the 2d. ult. A considerable number of the parents of the children and other members of the Church were present on the occasion. This proved to be the most encouraging Meeting of the kind that has ever been held within the memory of the oldest members of the congregation. A large number of the scholars repeated very correctly some of the most precious chapters in the Bible, selected according to their own tastes. The missionary box having been opened, it was found to contain a larger sum than the previous year, which was voted by the children to the Chinese and Corfu Missions respectively, with a small sum to the Protestant Mission in Ireland. Prizes were then awarded to the number of 120, according to the conduct and standing of the scholars in their respective classes during the year. The teachers have been much gratified lately by some of the older male scholars having spontaneously offered themselves as teachers of the infant classes. And, altogether, we have now great reason to thank God and take courage. The minister and superintendent of the school addressed the scholars, teachers, and parents present; afterwards a missionary hyinn was sung with great enthusiasm, and the Meeting separated, greatly delighted with the evening's proceedings. a Chinese gentlemen, who gave an address on China, referring in particular to the system of education pursued in that country, and illustrating his observations by some native dresses, books, &c. M. Wong Fun shook hands with every one as they retired, and doubtless many will remember in after-days, when China assumes its true position amongst the nations, in a religious point of view, the welcome visit of this gentleman at their anniversary. Copies of a reprint of "The Origin of the Chinese Bible Fund," were distributed to all present; and it is hoped they will stimulate the young to increased efforts. The sum collected by missionary boxes and subscriptions, from Christmas-day, 1852, to Christmas-day, 1853, amounted to 697.18s.11d., which, with small deductions for expenses, was given to the various objects contemplated by the Association, viz-China: Rev. S. Etlirajooloo, Madras, Corfu, Old Calabar, and the Synod's Home Mission. The above includes Sl. received from Chalmer's Presbyterian Church Sabbath-school, in Ancoats. MORPETH.-The Annual Social Meeting, on behalf of the Sabbath-schools in connexion with the Presbyterian congregation, was held here on Monday, 2d of January, in the Borough school-rooms, which were very tastefully and fancifully decorated with evergreens for the occasion. Dr. Trotter, on the Motion of Mr. Anderson, being unanimously called to the chair, opened the Meeting, after the usual preliminaries, with a very pertinent address. On the platform, as speakers, were the Rev. Messrs. Duncan, Newcastle; Terrace, Belford; Cathcart, Harbottle; Bannatyne, Warrenford; Edwards, Widdington; Gillespie, Framlington; Forsyth, Bavington; and Moony, curate of Long Horsley; and Messrs. A. and J. Stevenson, of Laygate House, &c., &c. Mr. Hood read an able and interesting Report of the state of the Sabbath-schools, drawn up by himself, and from which, among other indications of the presence of a healthful action in these institutions, it was gratifying to learn that the project of the children's penny savings' bank has proved fruitful of the anticipated success. It was stated by the Treasurer that 173., exclusive of this year's receipts, have been realized from the net proceeds of these annual gatherings;-and that these monies are safely invested for the benefit of the Sabbath-schools. CROOKHAM.-On the first morning of the new year the Sabbath-school children here were examined by their minister, on the Scriptures and shorter catechism. A large number of the parents and congregation were present, and were highly delighted by the intelligence of the children; and especially with their general acquaintance with the Word of God. At the conclusion of the examinaPRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GROSVENOR- tion prizes were awarded to the most deservSQUARE, MANCHESTER.-The Juvenile Mis-ing; immediately after which the Senior sionary Association held its Twelfth Annual Meeting on the 26th of December. The attendance of members and of the congregation generally was good, all being much interested in the proceedings. Through the kindness of some friends in Edinburgh the Meeting was favoured with the presence of M. Wong Fún, Elder, in the name of his brethren, and on behalf of the congregation, presented the Rev. W. H. Edmonds with a beautiful silk gown and cassock, as a token of the high estimation in which he is held by the people of his charge. Children's lessenger. NEW ZEALAND SPEECHES. THE people of New Zealand were once the wildest savages in the world. They were cannibals,—that is, people who kill and eat each other. Nor was any one ever able to do them any good until missionaries went to them with the Gospel. It proved "the power of God to every one who believed," and now, many of those who once took delight in devouring and eating each other like ferocious beasts, are "clothed and in their right mind,"-sitting at the feet of Jesus. A number of these converts lately held a missionary meeting. About 300 natives were present, and the collection taken amounted to more than 37. Here are three of the Resolutions they passed; they could not have been better. They are as good for you as they were for them. Read them over, and the three speeches there made, and see if you cannot make them your own : Resolved,-"1. That it is a good thing to make a collection for the purpose of sending the Gospel to heathen lands." WIREMU TIPENE said,-" We all know the object of our assembling together on this occasion,-to help forward the work of sending forth the Gospel into all the world. We were once in darkness; but our fathers and friends in England had compassion on us; they made collections and sent us the Gospel. Thus the light sprung up among us, and now we are light in the Lord.' Let the Churches of England now see that we, too, will follow their example. Let us increase our effort. Let the man who has pigs set apart one this next year for the Committee, and give the proceeds to our minister for them. My mind says that what he told us is very good: instead of killing so many pigs for food when we assemble together, let some of them be sold for the collection. If any are squaring timber, let them make sacred a spar for this purpose; and let it be done from the heart. If I were rich, if I had 5., I would give it all. Let us do what we can to show our love to our brethren, the heathen, who are sitting in darkness." Resolved,-"2. That we offer an expression of love to the benighted heathen." PAORA TUHAERE, of Auckland. "This is my thought, the Gospel is the cause of my being here. We heard yesterday of the state of the people who are without the Gospel, and who eat one another as we also once did. It was because God's people in England sent us missionaries, Is there any that we now know better. one who is thinking, 'Why should we give money? why don't the missionaries give the money? I say that person is a fool. My heart rejoices very much. At my own place I heard of your faith, and therefore came. My word to you is, 'Let your light shine before men,' and may you be like a city set on a hill, which cannot be hid.' I say, grow. It was the report of your faith which brought me here. We are all continually instructed by our ministers; let us give of our money to them, that the Gospel may grow. Let all agree." Resolved,-"3. That we pray to God that our love may increase." TOMATI TAIA.-"Yes; let us pray to God that our love may increase. Once we were in darkness; but we have heard of the death of Christ. The Gospel has been brought to us.-The words of Paul apply to us, The night is far spent, the day is at hand.' We were in the valley of the shadow of death. Now let us be strong to show our love to the Saviour, that his Gospel may abound. I have at each of our meetings put these little books (the Resolutions) into my coat pocket, and I shall put this one there too, that I may often think of it. The Gospel will not fail. We have seen some of our heathen friends brought in this year, and they are here with us. Be strong. Let the hands of our hearts reach out to the Lord. Let us cleave to this good work ever, ever, ever." THE NEGRO'S OFFERING. THE following pleasing circumstance is related in a letter from the Rev. E. Davies, of New Amsterdam. It is delightful to witness such proofs of Christian devotedness among the negroes of the West Indies, whose temporal condition was once so unfavourable to their spiritual interests. Every one may learn a lesson from this story. Mr. Davies says: "There has been a considerable increase in the income of the station during the past year. That increase has been chiefly owing to a great effort which the people are now making towards a new chapel. In many instances I was obliged to restrain their liberality. One incident occurred which I shall never forget. In calling over the names, to ascertain how much they could give, I happened to call the name of Fitz'I am here, Sir,' he gerald Mathew,' instantly replied; and at the same time I saw him hobbling with his wooden leg out of the crowd, to come up to the table-pew where I was standing. I wondered what he meant, for the others answered to their names without moving from their places. I was, however, forcibly struck with his apparent earnestness. On coming up he put his hand into one pocket and took out a handful of silver wrapped in paper, and said, with a lovely kind of abruptness, 'That is for me, massa.' 'Oh,' I said, 'keep your money at present, I don't want it now; I only wanted to know how much you could afford to give, I will come for the money another time.' 'Oh! massa,' he replied, 'God's work must be done, and I may be dead!' and with that he plunged his hand into another pocket, and took out another handful of silver, and said, 'That's for my wife, massa.' Then he put his hand into a third pocket and took out a somewhat smaller parcel, and said, 'That's for my child, massa; at the same time giving me a slip of paper, which somebody had written for him, to say how much the whole was. It was altogether near 31. sterling,-a large sum for a poor field negro, with a wooden leg; but his expression was to me worth more than all the money in the world. I have heard eloquent preachers in England, and felt-felt most deeply under their ministrations; but never have I been so impressed with anything they have said, as with the simple expression of this poor negro. me never forget it; let it be engraven on my heart; let it be my motto in all I take in hand for the cause of Christ,-' GoD's WORK MUST BE DONE, AND I MAY BE DEAD.' Let A LITTLE girl between six and seven years of age, when on her death-bed, seeing her eldest sister with a Bible in her hand, requested her to read it. The passage, "Suffer little children," &c., having been read, and the book closed, the child said, "How kind! I shall soon go to Jesus; he will soon take me up in his arms, and bless me too; no disciple shall keep me away." Her sister kissed her, and said, "Do you love me?" Yes, my dear," she replied; "but do not be angry, I love Jesus better." 66 CHINESE BIBLE FUND. As the account will be closed by the end of the present month, it is particularly requested that all sums collected may be sent in by the 20th inst. Found in the Missionary Box of Frederick and George Barbour A baby's box, per G. F. Barbour, Esq... Miss Home, Gunsgreen, per ditto.. Mrs. Davidson, per Mrs. Burns, Kilsyth Mrs. Long, Kilsyth Mrs. Burns, ditto Miss Maclaren, Fort William.. "An Aged Pilgrim's Legacy," per Ditto.-At Lowick (additional), Collected by Miss E. and M. Reid, Liverpool Ditto.-Miss Mary C. Wallace, Dal beattie.... Sabbath-school Children, Wooler Collected by Miss Agnes K. Haggie, Newcastle A. B. Collected by Miss Hogarth, Wooler Ditto.-Young people worshipping in the Corn Exchange, Birminghamn, per Rev. William Alves .. 7 2 0 Ditto.-Miss Elizabeth and Lilias Greig, per Rev. Thomas Alexander, Chelsea Sabbath-school children, Dudley (additional) Collected by Sarah and Isabella Douglas, and children of Infantschool. Cullercoats 0 2 6 0 0 0 14 8 Free St. Andrew's Juvenile Misston- Montrose A little boy's "dux sixpence Master Burman's Missionary box... 30 0 5 0 90 6 Cards, when returned, should be sent to Mr. Alexander Anderson, 51, Great Ormondstreet, London. Post-office Orders made payable to him at the post-office, Gray's-innlane. |